Harbinger, May 1, '65. THE THRONE OF DAVID. He some of them." Surely this does not look like thinking that the Jews were all to be saved! He even doubts of further success among them, but labors "if by any means he might save some of them." He is so far peculiarly unfortunate in his expressions, if he intended to teach the certainty of their conversion. Of their restoration there is not the shadow of an intimation. "If the casting away of them [unbelieving Jews] be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? If the first-fruit be holy, the lump also" (may be holy)-"is" is not in the original. thus intimates doubt whether any of the Jews will be saved, yet states it as possible; for if the first-fruit (the Apostle and the remnant of whom he had spoken in verse 5) be holy, the lump (or mass-the body of the Jews-may be made holy) also; and if the root (Christ) is holy, so (may) the branches. He next cautions the believing Gentiles: "And if some of the branches were broken off, and thou being a wild olive tree wert graffed in among [for] them, and with them [the remnant] partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree, boast not thyself against the branches. But if thou boast [bear in mind] thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say, then, the branches were broken off that I might be graffed in. Well, because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear; for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold the goodness and severity of Godon them which fell severity, but toward thee goodness, if thou continue in his good. ness, otherwise thou [Gentile] also shalt be cut off." The Apostle then goes on to say, "They [Jews] also, Ir they abide not in unbelief, shall be graffed in again; for God is able [not having utterly abandoned them] to graff them in again." IF they abide not in unbelief. Here their acceptance is made conditional. Hence the IF is posted like a sentinel to keep all unbelieving Jews and Gentiles out of the church of God. "For if thou [believing Gentile] wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree, how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?" (IF they abide not still in unbelief.) "For I would not, brethren that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness [obstinacy] in part has happened to Israel [to those who believed not, and this obstinacy will continue] until the fulness of the Gentiles be 179 come in in"-i. e. until the full quantity, number, or last of the Gentiles be saved; which, in other words, is saying that part of the nation will continue to reject Christ until the end of the dispensation, at which time the door of mercy is closed to both Jew and Gentile. But some say, this cannot be; for after the fulness of the Gentile is come, all Israel is to be saved. The Apostle conveys no such idea. Bear in mind that the 25th verse is part of a parenthetical section. Verse 26 reads, "And so all Israel shall be saved." The word "so" (outoo) has reference to manner, and not to time; though readers almost invariably in this text understand it in the sense of then. Not that the translation in this particular is bad, but having the veil of national restoration to Palestine before their eyes, so becomes then, and the idea is fostered that all Israel shall be saved, after the fulness of the Gentiles is come in. It would, therefore, have been far better in this place to have rendered (outoo) by "in this man. ner," and thus prevented misunderstanding.* This would, at once, have prompted the enquiry, "What manner?" and thus we should have been intuitively directed to the conditions laid down in verse 23, "And they also, IF they abide not in unbelief, shall be graffed in; for God is able to graff them in again." "And in this manner [believing in Christ] all Israel shall be saved,' as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn ungodliness away from Jacob (see Isaiah lix 20, being 750 years before Paul wrote this letter.) This evidently refers to Jesus. His forerunner, John, prepared the people for him in Jordan. When He came to John's disciples, who had turned from transgression in Israel, with them he made a new covenant, with ample provision for forgiveness of sins. At the appointed time he chose twelve, and in Zion announced to them the terms on which alone God would take away the people's sins and receive them into his favor. Paul's argument, then, is to the effect that God has not so utterly abandoned his former pecple that they cannot under any circumstance be again re. ceived. Their reception he terms "salvation ;" and in this salvation the Gentiles were equally participants, both standing by faith. But he says not one syllable about their land-no evidence does he give that the race and the country recover freedom and splendor in one auspicious day. What Paul says of the Jew he says of the Gentile, but to neither does he promise a state of mortal felicity, removed The same word is thus rendered in Rev..xi. 5. "And if any man will hurt them, he must in this. manner [outoo] be killed." BANBURY. Harbinger, May 1, '65. side a positive promise, given since the return from Babylon under Ezra and Nehemiah, that the Hebrew nation shall be restored to Palestine. ITEMS OF Since Bro. Evans left us we have had the services of Bro. Exley during January and February. He visited both Wardington and Bloxham every week, and had good and increasing audiences. During his stay six were immersed, and one was restored to fellowship. Bro. Exley, as well as ourselves, much regretted that he had to leave; and we feel that much of the labor bestowed in these brief visits, accept: able as they are, is to a considerable extent lost through evangelists being called away just as they have succeeded in awakening an interest, and are beginning to reap the fruit of their labors. BIRMINGHAM. S. S. Since writing the notice last month, I have gone down into the water with six confessors of faith in Christ, who, with several others previously immersed, have been added to the church here. D. K. HULL, DRIFFIELD, &C. "There are a few brethren scattered about here who stand much in need of help. They are able to supply home and food for an evangelist and to meet other light expenses. There are six at Driffield. Hull might be made a centre, and there are cir cumstances somewhat favorable at Beverley. Come and help us." MIDDLESBORO-ON-TEES. The church here is beginning to wear a reviving aspect. Last Lord's day we had the pleasure of immersing three believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. One had been a local preacher with the Wesleyans for many years, and two others who have not been connected with any sect. Others are expected to follow. There is an extensive field for labor here, and we earnestly pray God to send laborers to the harvest. NEWTOWN, WALES. The little church here has long suffered for want of evangelistic help, and by re movals, and now the once happy gathering will be broken up. Through a wise providence I am about to remove to Liverpool. There will then be left but three disciples, who will not be able to continue the meetings. These are indeed faithful Christians, yet I fear they will be able to do no more NEWS. C. in this unenviable locality than to hold fast that which is good, as circumstances indeed timely aid is presented. I cannot are strangely against each of them-unless express my sorrow at leaving the humble few, for whom my Christian affection is deeper than words can express. Among them my spiritual birth was commenced and perfected. Although opposed bitterly by kindred, even to the present moment, love and apostolic principles of these few I shall ever bear in memory the Christian poor, cheerful people of God. Blessed be the Lord. To him be the glory. Yours in Jesus, WOLVERHAMPTON. Since the report last month the little church here, which then numbered twelve members, has increased to twenty-one. Bro. King, assisted by J. Carnduff and T. Johnson from Birmingham, has kept the ear of an increasing company. The local papers have impartially reported our proceedings. The following is a specimenble congregation of about 200 persons, who Baptism at the Baths -A very respectaPublic Baths in this town, on Sunday were admitted by ticket, assembled at the immersion of four candidates for memberafternoon last, to witness the baptism by ship with a congregation recently formed at the Athenæum, for the observance of Christian doctrine and church polity and ordinances as they prevailed during the time of the Apostles. The rite was ad ministered by David King, evangelist, of Birmingham, who delivered a very elaborate address on the action, object, and sub. ject of baptism; stating that in addition to those then baptized, others baptized in Birmingham, or previously baptized in connection with other churches by immersion had joined the congregation at the Athenæum. The proceedings lasted about two hours, and were of a very orderly and impressive character." Several persons formerly immersed, who have long waited for a more scriptural order of things than they were previously able to find, have been added to the church. There are an increasing number of careful enquirers, whose conduct indicates that they will see the way and walk in it. There is every reason to hope that, by the blessing of God, Wolverhampton will be blessed with a large, solid, and useful church. Harbinger, May 1, '65. WAKEFIELD. ITEMS OF NEWS. WALSALL AND WEDNESBURY. 181 not heard of the existence of our brethren. Shortly after my arrival in the colony I became acquainted with several old Australian pioneers, through whose kind instrumentality I was led to unite with the brotherhood. I am gratified to find that there are churches in Bristol and Bath, and hope the principles of simple Christian truth will make their way still further westward. A few I have had the happiness of laboring for Christ for more than nine years in this In these places during the last month colony in connection with the Disciples of there is no actual increase to report. In Jesus. By the divine help, I have planted Walsall, invited by a committee of Baptists and others, I have delivered two lectures has existed for more than five years, and is a church in this place (Brighton) which in the Guild Hall, to most attentive though not large congregations Careful thought months since we had the valuable labors now advancing prosperously. and Bible searching are among the results. of Bro. Earl, and many were brought to In Wednesbury, as stated in our last decision. These were from various parts notice, the brethren are depressed by re-six of the number baptized, united with movals to distant places of a large portion of their number. Within the last few days some six persons have been immersed, who were moved thereto by our efforts to make known the truth. Though at present prevented from seeing the order of the Lord's house, we rejoice at their translation into his kingdom, and pray ere long they may learn more of his will. AUSTRALIA, &c. ADELAIDE. D. K. BRIGHTON, NEAR MELBOURNE, VICTORIA. Dear Bro. King,-After an absence of more than ten years from England, I am about to revisit that much-loved country, and expect to sail on the 4th ult. in the steam ship "London." When in England I hope to make the acquaintance of many esteemed brethren in the Lord, of whom I have often heard but have never seen. my native county (Devon) the brethren have no congregation, and at the time of my departure from the mother-country I had In N about thirty. I intend visiting London us in Brighton Our present number is and Bristol, and shall be pleased to meet with the brethren in those cities.-Yours faithfully in Christ, Jan. 22, 1865. S. HALSTAFF COLES. MARYBOROUGH, AUSTRALIA. We have reason to say, when looking at the progress of the church here, "It is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our eyes.' Since my last four more have been added, two restored and one received who formerly met with the church at Adelaide. We now number thirty-eight. Bro. H. S. Earl has visited us and held The successful meetings. Hundreds flocked to February 24, 1865. D. WILLDER. ENMORE, NEAR SYDNEY, Beloved Brother King,-Since we last wrote you an account of the change in our place of meeting, we have added to the church by immersion twenty-two persons, and six others who had been previously baptized. On New Year's day we set apart a brother to do the work of an evangelist, and last Lord's day in the city some amount of interest was manifested by the people in the afternoon and evening whilst listening to the proclamation of the word of life. We hope shortly to rejoice in the addition of many who are now without hope. The success of our Brother Earl in Mel. bourne gives us great joy. We earnestly desire he may visit Sydney. The field is white to the harvest, and multitudes would be glad to hear the good news as it is given us from heaven. We have great comfort in our assembly when worshiping God, and the profiting of the brethren is apparent. May we be multiplied in number and in every good work. We hope shortly to build a baptistery and use it frequently, and to report to you our progress every three months, as our brethren are anxious to make known to the church in every place our fellowship with them in the Lord, and to see in the Harbinger how they prosper, that we may be refreshed by the news of the increase of the "one body" throughout the earth. Wishing you favor, mercy and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord, we are, on behalf of the church worshiping God at Newtown, JOSEPH KINGSBURY, GEORGE DAY. Obituary. DEPARTED IN THE HOPE OF IMMORTALITY: HENRY PERKINS, on the 24th March, 1865, at Salford, near Manchester, in the 70th year of his age. So soon as he had completed the little work, "Companion to the Harbinger, May 1, '65. Psalms," which he had long set his mind upon, infirmities, which had increased the past few Winters, compelled him to relinquish the assembly of the saints. He had a strong foreboding that his last days were at hand and therefore set his house finally in order, and with profound calmness, resignation and fortitude, fell asleep in Jesus. For half a century he had, without in termission, been actively engaged in reiterating the glad tidings of salvation. His mind was open to the reception of truth, he was a diligent student of the Bible, and as the light broke in upon him, he rejoiced therein. For many years he had been identified with "the Reformation." The church in this locality has lost a counsellor, teacher and proclaimer-one who had a good report of those who are without HELEN DICKSON (daughter of W. Ramsay) at Rosewell, near Dalkeith, on the 11th of March, 1865. She was immersed in 1857, in her 20th year, and has continued a consistent disciple. She gave birth to an infant three days before her death. Thrice has the grave closed over friends near and dear to Bro. Ramsay since this year commenced. RALPH WOOD, at Middlesboro. A faithful Christian-he has left full testimony that his is the world`of happiness and joy. MISCELLANEOUS. W. THOMPSON TO THE "MARY PORT ADVERTISER." Mr. Editor.-Sir,-That you may have an idea of the position we occupy, and of our object and aims, in our present enterprise, let us state as follows: We are aiming to separate the pure faith of Christ as it was at the beginning, from all corruptions, that the people may know what it is-may embrace it and be saved by it. We are also desirous of separating the PRACTICE of Christianity from all other practices, and to walk in it to the best of our ability. In a word-we are aiming to believe in and follow Christ- to love and serve him-to be Christians-disciples of Christ-people of God-nothing more or less. We are aiming to unite all the people of God in one body under Christ their head. Hence we discard all party names and party principles, acknowledging no leader but Jesus, and no creed but the Bible. It is an indisputable fact that, in the days of the Apostles, the people of God had no human creed or discipline of human origin-nothing but the word of the Lord, and that while they had no other than this they were a united and happy people. Division and strife went hand in hand with party names and party creeds, so that in order to get out of strife and division we have to renounce party names and party creeds, and stand upon the foundation occupied by the disciples before Sectarianism began. Men were saved by the Gospel of Jesus Christ before such names or parties as now sway the religious world existed. In the days of the Apostles no such person as a Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian or Episcopalian was known. Any one then without needing to know one single thing can be saved by becoming a Christian, regarding any of these sects. If the Bible, given us by inspiration of God, is not a sufficient guide for faith and practice, then we have nothing in the world to rely on for that purpose. In vain are all the doctrines, and traditions, and commandments of men. But some will be disposed to say that you cannot get the Gospel restored practically to what it was in the days of the Apostles, and because sectarianism exists all around that you have no alternative but to join some of the sects and get along Harbinger, May 1, '65. MISCELLANEOUS. as best you can. To this we reply, there is no necessity for anything of the kind. Can a man not receive instruction from the Scriptures of what the Lord would have him to do, and do it, and thereby become a Disciple of Jesus and wear his name and creed? Here a man is on safe ground, as allowed by sectarians themselves. It was the design of the Lord that all his people be ONE, that there be no division among them. Having one Lord, one faith, one immersion, one body, one spirit, one hope, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all. It is evident that believers can never unite on any human creed. Propose the Presbyterian, and all the other parties will reject it. Propose the Methodist and all the others will reject it, and so on to the end of the chapter. But when proposing the union of God's people on the law of the Lord, or the Bible, there is nothing at all unlikely or unreasonable. What has been, may be again. There was a time when all the disciples of Jesus were of one heart, and of one soul,-united upon the word of the Lord, and if there were that veneration and respect for the Lord, which ought to prevail among those who profess to be saved by him, it would induce them to take his word in preference to the word of any man for the rule and guide of their life, and wear his name in preference to any other name under heaven. To cling to party names, and party creeds is to perpetuate strife and division, and defeat the purpose of the Lord in the Gospel. All human creeds as bonds of union, or bars of fellowship must be put down among the people of God before Jesus can reign over a united people. These things are all treasonable to the government of God, forming new centres of attraction, in order to rally round which men have to turn their backs upon the Saviour! Every human creed is founded on the treasonable presumption, 1st, that the law of Jesus is not sufficient for the government of the people of God. This is more wicked, either on the part of those who first construed the creed or those who maintain it after it has been put in force, and all such conduct will have to be accounted for before the Judge of the world. It implies 2nd, that uninspired men can make a law sufficient, or that can accomplish what the law of God is not sufficient to do. This principle, if it could prevail, would dethrone the Lord of life and glory. We can never unite the people of God upon any thing but the law of God. This alone can command the respect of all, and wherever its claims are properly urged they will be responded to by the noble hearted who respect the authority of God. 183 What can be accomplished is not now a matter of theory. We have practical demonstration of the practicability of uniting the people upon the law of the Lord. In a few years the plea for uniting in one body on the law of the Lord, under no leader but Jesus, has been responded to by 400,000 persons from all the conflicting parties; and there is more prosperity and progress among them than in any sect in Christendom. WM. THOMPSON. OFF THE TRACK. THE church went off the track when it accepted the patronage of the Roman Emperor, and farther and still farther as the chiefs, leaving the lowly ground of simple overseers, ascended the prelatic steps, from the first lauding of bishopprimus inter pares-thence to the higher stage of Metropolitian Archbishop, and still on, till, contesting the throne with kings and emperors, men wondered after the sacerdotal papa-Pope in the west, Patriarch in the east-and he came to sit in the temple of God, shewing himself as a god. The Reformers went off the track when, after proclaiming "the Bible and the Bible alone," they accepted the alliance of kings, founded state instead of Christian churches, wrapt the sword of the Spirit in the scabbard of their own confessions, and unsheathed that of the magistrate and the military to make men obedient to the new faith, with no faith and without repentance. And now reason, impatient of long thraldom, asserts her right and liberty, and many of her sons, more confident than wise, commit themselves to the deep, unpiloted by faithmisjudging that because the false in religion has misled men, revelation itself is to them a needless guide-and thus they are off the track. Timid souls again, full well aware that churches and ministers, and confessions and ordinances, and teachings and practices ecclesiastic, are not as God ordained they should be-not as the Word of God would make them-hold on and cling as if they did not know the fact of their being off the track. Were men as wise in things eternal as in interests temporal, they would not go on a day as they go on for years-all the while off the track. Their greatest interest would have their first attention; the chiefest danger would meet the promptest facing. They would not continue to do what they have lost faith in. More honest to men than to God, they would not say and do what they don't believe. The mere suspicion of being off the track brings immediate pause. What captain who, having taken his sights, and discovered that he was on the wrong track, would not at once" about |